What We're Doing, What We're Reading - June 14, 2016

Here is the latest charter news we've been keeping up on.

On the Blog

The latest episode of our incredible podcast, The Grade, is up! Kyle Rosenkrans wrapped up his tenure as the Northeast Charter Schools Network CEO last Friday, but before he left he sat down with us to reflect on his time here and talk about what's next and why this work is so important.

Our 20 Graduates in 20 Days series continues! We have highlighted some awesome Connecticut charter grads so far, and today we shared the story of Keiry Gutierrez from Path Academy. Keiry's story is incredible. This young woman possesses strength and determination in the face of incredible odds. From El Salvador to a CT charter school -- her story is worth reading!

NECSN in the News

11 new charter schools were approved to open across New York yesterday. We put out a statement congratulating the new schools, and the Long Island Exchange shared it. Our NY State Director Andrea Rogers said of the new schools:

"Tens of thousands of names are on waitlists for charter schools across New York State, so we applaud SUNY and the Board of Regents for approving these new schools. The families in these communities - from New York City to Buffalo - will benefit for years to come with the addition of these new charter schools in their neighborhoods."

In case you missed it, NECSN CT State Director Jeremiah Grace had an op-ed last week on 20 years of Connecticut charter schools. The 20-year anniversary of Connecticut charters continues throughout the year so stay tuned for more blog posts, stories in the press, and podcasts from those close to the charter movement!

"Given important autonomies, public charter schools have the opportunity to create effective, inclusive learning environments and to be exemplars of educational equity, quality and innovation. We collectively challenge the sector to realize its full potential in benefiting ALL students and to implement effective positive and equitable disciplinary practices that are essential to assuring student success."

New York News

From POLITICO New York: As of Tuesday morning, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan left the Assembly with two options on mayoral control: pass a one-year extension with few conditions, or approve a three-year extension laden with non-starters.

FYI: On Tuesday, June 21st Harlem Link Charter School will hold its fifth grade graduation, where A’Lelia Bundles will be the keynote speaker. Ms. Bundles is the Great-Grandaughter of A’Lelia Walker, daughter of Madame C.J. Walker, the first African American female millionaire and major figure of The Harlem Renaissance.

Connecticut News

From the Hartford Courant: Frustrated plaintiffs in the Sheff v. O'Neill lawsuit accepted a new agreement Friday to continue desegregation efforts in Hartford, asking a judge to approve a one-year extension that does little more than maintain the status quo during the state's fiscal troubles.

"The task of fixing our state’s flawed school finance system will not be an easy one — the system is complex and it impacts many different stakeholders who have varying concerns and perspectives. However, having an equitable, predictable, and consistent system for how the state allocates more than $2 billion in education funding isn’t ideological or partisan — it’s just good governance."